Q: I want to drive from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco this summer. What are my choices for vehicles if I don’t want to take my own? Nothing but rentals? Or do they still have drive-aways?

A: Drive-aways still exist, though they’re not as common as they were. Check out Auto Driveaway, which uses a combination of hired employees and regular folks to transport cars across the country. You have to be older than 23, with a clean driving record and references, and you put down a deposit. But it would certainly be cheaper than a one-way rental.

—Joe Yonan

Q: I’d like to take a week-long winter vacation to someplace warm. I’m a woman in my early 40s traveling alone, so I don’t want it to be too spring-breaky, and it needs to be safe. I’d like a nonstop flight from Washington. I’m thinking Caribbean, but there are so many choices.

A: Most Caribbean islands require a connection. If you’re willing to transfer, I’d recommend Barbados, which has a good mix of beaches and culture. I’m also a big fan of Grenada; the island smells like a spice shop. For nonstops, you can fly to the Bahamas or Jamaica. Montego Bay has some lovely properties that aren’t spring-breaky. For both destinations, avoid mainstream all-inclusives and look for more exclusive guesthouses.

— Andrea Sachs

Q: I want to take a vacation in early March in the continental U.S.; somewhere warm with great beaches, nothing too expensive.

A: I really love the islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The sand is sugar white, and the vibe is very Old Florida. You can find cheap accommodations during slower times. Take a peek at Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Another option: St. Petersburg, which is just across the bridge from Tampa, so you can hop between the two destinations.

— Andrea Sachs

Q: I’m going to Trinidad this weekend, staying at the Hilton in Port of Spain. I didn’t realize that Trinidad isn’t really a tourist destination, and the beaches aren’t that great. Any suggestions for things to do, other than going over to Tobago, where the beaches are nicer? What to do in the evening, other than drinking and dancing?

A: Who says Trinidad’s not a tourist destination? The European Council on Tourism and Trade named double-island Trinidad and Tobago the World’s Best Tourist Destination last year. We did a short piece on the nation in our Caribbean issue last year; it described the Asa Wright Nature Center on Trinidad, which sounds interesting, if you’re into birding and wildlife. Trinidad’s the place for hiking and history, but it definitely has beaches as well, particularly on the North Coast. There are some good clubs in Port of Spain, but since you’re not into drinking and dancing, and if you’re traveling alone, I’d stick close to the hotel. Parts of the city can be unsafe.

— Zofia Smardz

Q: I’m trying to plan a short (three to five days) cruise for myself, my husband and three of his siblings and their families (kids ranging from 2 to 16). Cost is an important factor. The others have suggested Carnival, but I’ve heard some bad things about that line.

A: My family of five has cruised on Disney and NCL, and both were great experiences. Carnival has a reputation as more of a budget cruise line and isn’t really known for family travel, but I wouldn’t write it off. A lot depends on what you expect and where your family’s interests lie.

— Christopher Elliott

Q: We’ll have three days in Siena in April. What nearby towns should we hit? We won’t have a car, so they have to be accessible by bus.A: I’d definitely hit Montepulciano and San Gimignano, if you have time. Siena itself is gorgeous, and you could easily spend three days there. Everything’s bus-accessible in Italy.

— Zofia Smardz

Q: My husband and I are taking a cruise to the Caribbean in early November. We both have passports, though they aren’t required for our trip. We plan on going on shore excursions. Should we leave our passports in the stateroom safe when we leave the ship?

A: I always leave my passport in the safe, but I carry a copy of it and my ship ID card. You may also want to carry another form of photo ID, especially if you want to shop and your credit card doesn’t have your photo. The only reason for carrying your passport is if you’re chronically late and have a decent chance of getting left behind by the ship (and yes, this happens).

— Carol Sottili

Q: I’m looking for a couple of travel ideas for less than $1,000 – either domestic or foreign – including airfare and hotel. I’m open to just about anything but am always up for adding a new state, and I haven’t been to the Southwest or the Gulf Coast (Alabama or Florida).

A: Cross the Southwest and the Gulf Coast off your list by booking trips to Austin and New Orleans. You could do a several-day trip to both for under a grand. And they’re both amazing. If you mean that you’ve been to other parts of the Gulf Coast, but not Alabama or Florida, head to Birmingham or Miami.

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